Methods And Systems For Providing Content

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for providing content are disclosed. Content (e.g., video content, multimedia content, etc.) may be synchronized between devices. The synchronized content can be associated with different content items (e.g., audio content, closed caption content, commentary content, etc.) between different devices, such as user devices, content devices, and the like.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/447,169 filed Jul. 30, 2014, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The number of content items delivered from a content provider to a userdevice can be limited when the user device has a limited number ofidentifiers to process multiple content items. There is a need for moresophisticated methods and systems for transmitting a plurality ofcontent items from a content provider to a plurality of user devices andcoordinating the plurality of content items provided to the plurality ofuser devices.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive, as claimed. Methods and systems for providingcontent are disclosed. Specifically, a content provider can transmit aplurality of content items to a plurality of user devices, and theplurality of content items can be synchronized at the one or more userdevices. The plurality of content items can comprise one or more audiocontent items and one or more video content items ingested from amultimedia content stream. The disclosed methods and systems can be usedin delivery of video descriptions, multiple languages, different typesof narration such as director commentary, actor commentary, and thelike.

An example method can comprise a first device receiving a first contentitem such as a video content item. The first content item can comprise aplurality of fragment identifiers. A plurality of second content itemssuch as audio content items can be generated based on the first contentitem. Metadata associated with the respective plurality of secondcontent items can be generated. The first content item can betransmitted to a first device via a first communication link. At leastone of the plurality of second content items and the metadata associatedwith the at least one of the plurality of second content items can betransmitted to a second device via a second communication link. Thefirst content item and the at least one of the plurality of secondcontent items can be synchronized, based on at least one fragmentidentifier associated with the first content item and the metadataassociated with the at least one of the plurality of second contentitems.

In another aspect, an example method can comprise a content providerreceiving a request for an audio content item from a second device. Thecontent provider can determine a fragment identifier associated with avideo content item being transmitted to a first device. The contentprovider can identify the audio content item and a location in the audiocontent item corresponding to the fragment identifier of the videocontent item. The location can be identified based on the fragmentidentifier associated with the video content item and the metadataassociated with the audio content item. Accordingly, the contentprovider can transmit the audio content item to the second device at theidentified location.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description thatfollows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example system;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example method;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing system inwhich the present methods and systems can operate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, itis to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited tospecific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment orcombination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of preferred embodimentsand the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previousand following description.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods andsystems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the formof a computer program product on a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methodsand systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Anysuitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including harddisks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

The present methods and systems are related to providing content acrossa network. A content provider can transmit a plurality of content itemsto a plurality of user devices, and the plurality of content items canbe synchronized at the one or more user devices. The plurality ofcontent items can comprise one or more audio content items and one ormore video content items ingested from a multimedia content stream. Forexample, a video content item can be provided and/or rendered at a videodisplay device (e.g., TV) and an audio device (e.g., tablet) can selecta corresponding user-selected audio content item from a contentprovider. The selected audio content item can be delivered to the audiodevice, and the audio content item can be synchronized with the videocontent at the audio device. In an aspect, a unique unicast of audiocontent item can be generated to provide a customized audio experience.The disclosed methods and systems can be used in delivery of videodescriptions, multiple languages, different types of narration such asdirector commentary, actor commentary, and the like.

For example, a first content item can be provided and/or rendered at afirst device via a first communication link, and one of a plurality ofsecond content items can be provided and/or rendered at a second devicevia a second communication link. For example, a communication link cancomprise a channel, a network, other communication connections, and thelike. The first content item and one of the plurality of second contentitems can be synchronized. For example, the first content item cancomprise video content, audio content, metadata, text, applications, andthe like. The plurality of second content items can comprise a pluralityof versions of audio content ingested from the first content item,metadata, text, applications and the like. The first device can comprisea set top box, a television, a network device, a computer, a tablet, apersonal data assistant, a smart phone, and the like. The second devicecan comprise a set top box, a television, a network device, a tablet, acomputer, a personal data assistant (PDA), a smart phone, and the like.In an aspect, the first device and the second device can be a singledevice.

FIG. 1 illustrates various aspects of an exemplary system in which thepresent methods and systems can operate. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that present methods may be used in systems that employ bothdigital and analog equipment. One skilled in the art will appreciatethat provided herein is a functional description and that the respectivefunctions can be performed by software, hardware, or a combination ofsoftware and hardware.

The system 100 can comprise a central location 101 (e.g., a headend),which can receive content (e.g., data, input programming, and the like)from multiple sources. The central location 101 can combine the contentfrom the various sources and can distribute the content to user (e.g.,subscriber) locations (e.g., location 119) via distribution system 116.In an aspect, central location 101 can provide video content, audiocontent, or other content (e.g., text content, metadata, application) toa plurality of devices (e.g., a first device, a second device) at aspecific location (e.g., location 119) or a multitude of user locations.For example, the central location 101 can comprise a first contentprovider configured to provide a first content item (e.g., video, audio,metadata, text, application) to a first device 122 a at location 119.The central location 101 can comprise a second content providerconfigured to provide second content items (e.g., audio content ingestedfrom the first content item) to the second device 122 b at location 119.The first content item and the second content item can be synchronizedat the central location 101 or at location 119.

In an aspect, the second device 122 b can comprise a synchronizationelement (e.g., synchronization element 123). For example, thesynchronization element 123 can receive and process at least one of theplurality of fragment identifiers associated with the first contentprovided and/or render at the first device 122 a, and identify acorresponding location in the second content item. For example, uponreceiving the at least one fragment identifier at the second device 122b, the synchronization element 123 associated with the second device 122b can access the metadata of the second content item to identify alocation that corresponds to the received at least one of the pluralityof fragment identifiers associated with the first content item. Forexample, the metadata can comprise a time index and correspondingfragment identifiers associated with the first content item. Thelocation can be identified as a time offset (e.g., 15 minutes 9 seconds)with respect to the beginning of the second content item.

In an aspect, the central location 101 can receive content from avariety of sources 102 a, 102 b, 102 c. The content can be transmittedfrom the source to the central location 101 via a variety oftransmission paths, including wireless (e.g. satellite paths 103 a, 103b) and terrestrial path 104. The central location 101 can also receivecontent from a direct feed source 106 via a direct line 105. Other inputsources can comprise capture devices such as a video camera 109 or aserver 110. The signals provided by the content sources can include asingle content item or a multiplex that includes several content items.

The central location 101 can comprise one or a plurality of receivers111 a, 111 b, 111 c, 111 d that are each associated with an inputsource. For example, MPEG encoders such as encoder 112, are included forencoding local content or a video camera 109 feed. A switch 113 canprovide access to server 110, which can be a Pay-Per-View server, a dataserver, an internet router, a network system, a phone system, and thelike. Some signals may require additional processing, such as signalmultiplexing, prior to being modulated. Such multiplexing can beperformed by multiplexer (mux) 114.

The central location 101 can comprise one or a plurality of modulators115 for interfacing to the distribution system 116. The modulators canconvert the received content into a modulated output signal suitable fortransmission over the distribution system 116. The output signals fromthe modulators can be combined, using equipment such as a combiner 117,for input into the distribution system 116.

A control system 118 can permit a system operator to control and monitorthe functions and performance of system 100. The control system 118 caninterface, monitor, and/or control a variety of functions, including,but not limited to, the channel lineup for the television system,billing for each user, conditional access for content distributed tousers, and the like. The control system 118 can provide input to themodulators for setting operating parameters, such as system specificMPEG table packet organization or conditional access information. Thecontrol system 118 can be located at the central location 101 or at aremote location.

The distribution system 116 can distribute signals from the centrallocation 101 to user locations, such as user location 119. Thedistribution system 116 can be an optical fiber network, a coaxial cablenetwork, a hybrid fiber-coaxial network, a wireless network, a satellitesystem, a direct broadcast system, or any combination thereof. Thedistribution system 116 can comprise a plurality of channels, such asQuadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) channels, internet protocol (IP)channels, out of band (OOB) channels, an eight vestigial sidebandmodulation (8VSB) channel and/or the like. For example, a QAM channelcan be used to provide a first content item to a first device atlocation 119. An IP channel can be used to provide a second content itemto a second device at location 119. There can be a multitude of userlocations connected to distribution system 116. At user location 119, ademodulator 120, a decoder 121, such as a gateway or home communicationsterminal (HCT) can decode, if needed, the signals for display on adisplay device, such as on a first device 122 a or a second device 122b. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the signal can bedecoded in a variety of equipment, including an HCT, a computer, a TV, amonitor, or satellite dish. In an exemplary aspect, the methods andsystems disclosed can be located within, or performed on, one or moredecoder 121, the first device 122 a, the second device 122 b, thecentral locations 101, DVRs, home theater PCs, and the like.

In an aspect, user location 119 is not fixed. By way of example, a usercan receive content from the distribution system 116 on a mobile devicesuch as a laptop computer, PDA, smartphone, GPS, vehicle entertainmentsystem, portable media player, and the like. In another aspect, aplurality of devices (e.g., first device, second device) at userlocation 119 can communicate with each other to synchronize a pluralityof content items being provided and/or rendered at the plurality ofdevices.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example system 200. In oneaspect, the system 200 can comprise first content provider 201, secondcontent provider 202, first communication link 203, second communicationlink 204, first device 205, second device 206, and third communicationlink 207. The first content provider 201 can be configured to provide afirst content item to the first device 205 via the first communicationlink 203. The second content provider 202 can be configured to provide asecond content item to the second device 206 via the secondcommunication link 204. The first content provider 201 and/or the secondcontent provider 202 can receive any form and/or type of informationfrom one or more sources including streaming television programming,recorded audio or video, electronic programming guide data, video games,3-D video, multi-dimensional audio, object based audio, and the like. Asan example, the first content provider 201 and/or the second contentprovider 202 can comprise over-the-air (OTA) terrestrial transmissionfacilities, cable television distribution head-ends, satellitetelevision uplink centers, broadband or internet servers, and the like.The first content provider 201 and the second content provider 202 canbe implemented as separate network entities or reside in a commonlocation.

In an aspect, the first device 205 can be configured to receive a firstcontent item via the first communication link 203. As an example, thefirst device 205 can comprise a set-top box, a television, a computingdevice, a digital streaming device, a gateway, and/or the like. Thefirst content item can comprise video, audio, text, metadata,applications, and other content. The first content item can be providedas one or more data streams, such as content channels, video on demand,digital video recordings, and the like.

In an aspect, the first communication link 203 can comprise a non-packetswitched network (e.g., quadrature amplitude modulation based network),a packet switch network (e.g., internet protocol based network), or acombination thereof. The first network 203 can comprise networkadapters, switches, routers, modems, servers, bridge, repeaters,communication gateways, a session border controllers, boundary devices,customer premises equipment (CPE), headends, cable modem terminationsystems (CMTS), and the like, connected through wireless links (e.g.,radio frequency, satellite) and/or physical links (e.g., fiber opticcable, coaxial cable, Ethernet cable, or a combination thereof).

In an aspect, a plurality of second content items can be generated(e.g., ingested) based on the first content item. For example, theplurality of second content items can be a plurality of audio filesingested from the first content item. Examples of audio content itemscan be audio files generated for hearing aids (e.g., loudness), multiplelanguage options (e.g., English, Spanish, French), parental control(e.g., certain words removed), narration, video description (e.g. forblind people), director's commentary, music-only versions, parodydialogs, minors' versions (e.g., no music or effect), 3-D audio (e.g.object based audio), and/or the like. The plurality of second contentitems can be in a plurality of formats such as MP3, AAC, MID, AIFF, WAV,MOV, M4A, MP4, and/or the like. In an aspect, loudness can be shaped ona server side or a client side of a content distribution network.

In an aspect, the first content item and each of the plurality of secondcontent items (e.g., audio files) can be associated with metadata todescribe the respective content items. For example, the metadata cancomprise descriptions of the respective audio files, such as hearingaids (e.g., loudness), language training (e.g., English, French,Spanish), parental control, narration, music-only versions, minors'versions, 3-D audios, audio formats (e.g., mp3, mp4, way, mid, etc.),and/or the like. A menu can be created based on the metadata of theplurality of second content items. In another aspect, metadata cancomprise a time index and corresponding fragment identifiers. As anexample, the time index can indicate a time offset with respect to thebeginning of the respective second content item. In an aspect, the timeindex can comprise a time offset value from the beginning or a specificsegment (e.g., packet) of the respective second content. In an aspect,the time index can comprise a corresponding packet number of therespective second content. In another aspect, the time index cancomprise clock/time information carried in a program or a transportstream as a universal time reference. For example, every object (e.g.,main content, advertisement) in a content item can carry timingmetadata. For fragmented videos, fragment identifiers can be used astime index. In this scenario, a callback from the second device can beused to synchronize the first content item provided and/or rendered atthe first device (e.g., television) and the second content item providedand/or rendered at the second device (e.g., tablet).

A specific time offset can be associated with a particular fragmentidentifier. For example, a fifteen-minute offset can indicate fifteenminutes after the beginning of a second content item, and the fifteenminute offset can be associated with a particular fragment identifier.When a fragment identifier is received, a corresponding location in therespective second content item can thus be identified. The plurality ofsecond content items and metadata associated with the plurality ofsecond content items can be deposited in the second content provider 202and transmitted to the second device 206 via the second communicationlink 204.

In an aspect, the second device 206 can be configured to receive one ofa plurality of second content items via the second communication link204. As an example, the second device 206 can comprise a smartphone, atablet, a personal data assistant (PDA), a computer, and/or the like. Asecond content item can comprise video, audio, text, metadata, and othercontent. A second content item can be provided and/or rendered as one ormore data streams, such as content channels, audio on demand, digitalaudio recordings, and the like. In an aspect, a user of the seconddevice 206 can select one of the plurality of second content items(e.g., audio content) from a menu created based on the metadata of theplurality of second content items.

In an aspect, the second communication link 204 can comprise a packetswitched network (e.g., internet protocol based network). For example,the second communication link 204 can comprise an out of band (OOB)channel of the first communication link 203. The second communicationlink 204 can comprise network adapters, switches, routers, modems,servers, bridge, repeaters, communication gateways, a session bordercontrollers, boundary devices, CPE, headends, CMTS, and the like,connected through wireless links (e.g., radio frequency, satellite)and/or physical links (e.g., fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, Ethernetcable, or a combination thereof). As an example, second content itemscan be digitized, packetized, and transmitted to the second device 206via the second communication link 204 by standard protocols such astransmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP).

In one aspect, the third communication link 207 can comprise a wiredand/or wireless network that utilizes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, infraredfrequency (IR), radio frequency (RF), acoustic, or any desired wired orwireless method or standard. The third communication link 207 can enablecommunication among one or more first devices 205 and one or more seconddevices 206. In an aspect, the third communication link 207 can beconfigured as a local area network (LAN). The third communication link207 can comprise one or more network devices such as residentialgateways, routers, modems, network switches, wireless access points,configured to connect devices (e.g., first device 205, second device206) to Internet or a wide area network (WAN).

In one aspect, the first device 205 can comprise a communication element208 for providing an interface to a user to interact with the firstdevice 205. The communication element 208 can be any interface forpresenting and/or receiving information to/from the user. An exampleinterface may be communication interface, such as a web browser or aprogram guide to receive a request from a user to transmit a firstcontent item. In another aspect, the communication element 208 cantransmit data (e.g., fragment identifiers) related to the first contentitem to the second device 206. For example, the communication element208 can broadcast one or more fragment identifiers associated with thefirst content item to other devices (e.g., the second device 206). In anaspect, the communication element 208 can be configured for receivingand tuning any type of content (e.g., video content, audio content). Forexample, the communication element 208 can receive an over-the-airbroadcast signal, a direct broadcast satellite signal or a cabletelevision signal (e.g., QAM signal) from the first content provider201.

In one aspect, the second device 206 can comprise a communicationelement 212 for providing an interface to a user to interact with thesecond device 206. The communication element 212 can be any interfacefor presenting and/or receiving information to/from the user. An exampleinterface may be communication interface, such as a web browser or aprogram guide to receive a request from a user to transmit one of aplurality of second content items. In an aspect, the communicationelement 212 can be configured for receiving and tuning any type ofcontent (e.g., audio content). For example, the communication element212 can receive audio content (e.g., internet protocol packets, Ethernetframes) from the second content provider 202. In another aspect, thecommunication element 212 can receive data (e.g., fragment identifiers)related to the first content item from the first device 205. In anotheraspect, the communication element 212 can be used for fine tuning thesecond content item provided to and/or rendered at the second device 206to synchronize with the first content item provided and/or rendered atthe first device 205. For example, a user of the second device 206 canadjust the second content item by pressing up and down buttons on thecommunication element 212 to fine tune the synchronization of a firstcontent item and a second content item.

In one aspect, the first device 205 can be configured to broadcast(e.g., multicast) a current playing fragment or current frame of videoover the third communication link 207. The second device 206 can tune tothe broadcast to determine the video frame that is being played on thefirst device 205. Latency in the third communication link 207 can benegligible or can be accounted for a predefined parameter. In anotheraspect, the second device 206 can register with the first device 205 andreceive information about current playing fragment or current frame. Anetwork time protocol can be used to synchronize the clocks on the firstdevice 205 and the second device 206.

In an aspect, the second device 206 can comprise a synchronizationelement 213. For example, a first content item can be provided and/orrendered at the first device 205, and a second content item can beprovided and/or rendered at the second device 206. The synchronizationelement 213 can receive at least one fragment identifier associated withthe first content item from the first device 205. In an aspect, thesynchronization element 213 can be configured to process the at leastone fragment identifier received. For example, synchronization element213 can identify a location (e.g., a point) that corresponds to thereceived at least one fragment identifier based on metadata associatedwith the second content item. For example, the synchronization element213 can access metadata of the second content item for a time indexassociated with the received fragment identifier. For example, a timeindex can comprise a time offset from the beginning of the secondcontent item. Accordingly, the second content item can be providedand/or rendered at the identified location (e.g., point) in the seconddevice 206.

In an aspect, the first device 205 and the second device 206 can beassociated with respective user identifiers and/or device identifiers209. As an example, the device identifier 209 can be any identifier,token, character, string, and/or the like, for differentiating one useror user device from another user or user device. In a further aspect,the device identifier 209 can identify a user or user device asbelonging to a particular class of users or user devices. As a furtherexample, the device identifier 209 can comprise information relating toa device (e.g., the first device 205, the second device 206), such as amanufacturer, a model or type of device, a service provider (e.g.,content service provider), a state associated with respective device, astate of the a device, a locator, and/or a label or classifier. Otherinformation can be represented by the device identifier 209. In anaspect, the device identifier 209 can be included in the communicationbetween the first device 205 and second device 206, between the firstcontent provider 201 and the first device 205, between the secondcontent provider 202 and the second device 206. For example, the deviceidentifier 209 can be received by the second content provider 202 aspart of a request for a second content item (e.g., an audio contentitem). Upon receiving the request for a second content item, the secondcontent provider 202 can transmit the requested second content item tothe second device 206 according to the device identifier 209.

In an aspect, the device identifier 209 can comprise an address element210 and a service element 211. In an aspect, the address element 210 cancomprise or provide an internet protocol address, a network address, amedia access control (MAC) address, an Internet address, or the like. Asan example, the address element 210 can be relied on to establish acommunication session between the first device 205 and the second device206 or other devices and/or networks. As a further example, the addresselement 210 can be used as an identifier or locator of a device (e.g.,the first device 205, the second device 206). In an aspect, the addresselement 210 can be persistent for a particular network. In an aspect,the address element 210 can be included in the communication between thefirst device 205 and second device 206, between the first contentprovider 201 and the first device 205, between the second contentprovider 202 and the second device 206. For example, the address element210 can be received by the second content provider 202 as part of therequest for a second content item (e.g., an audio content item) from thesecond device 206. Upon receiving the request for a second content item,the second content provider 202 can transmit the requested secondcontent item to the second device 206 according to the address element210.

In an aspect, the service element 211 can comprise an identification ofa service provider associated with a device (e.g., first device 205,second device 206) and/or with the class of a device (e.g., first device205, second device 206). The class of a device can be related to a typeof device, capability of device, type of service being provided, and/ora level of service (e.g., business class, service tier, service package,etc.). As an example, the service element 211 can comprise informationrelating to or provided by a communication service provider (e.g.,content service provider) that is providing or enabling data flow suchas communication services to a device. As a further example, the serviceelement 211 can comprise information relating to a preferred serviceprovider for one or more particular services relating to a device. In anaspect, the address element 210 can be used to identify or retrieve datafrom the service element 211, or vise versa.

In an aspect, a first content item provided and/or rendered at the firstdevice 205 can be segmented into transport packets of a predeterminedsize. As an example, each transport packet can comprise a fragmentidentifier. A fragment identifier can comprise a code, a piece of text,a message, a label, a pattern, an annotation, a marker (e.g.,watermark), an index, and/or the like. In an aspect, a fragmentidentifier can function as a time stamp, indicating a time point (e.g.,starting point, ending point), and a time interval of a respectivetransport packet. A time stamp can be accurate to within seconds orshorter. As another example, a fragment identifier can be a watermarkthat is imperceptible to human detection. For example, a watermark canbe a specific frequency or a combination of a plurality of specificfrequencies beyond human hearing (e.g., 20 kHz-22 kHz).

In one aspect, a second content item can be ingested from the firstcontent item and provided and/or rendered at the second device 206. Inone aspect, the second content item can be synchronized with the firstcontent item at the second device 206. For example, the first device 205can broadcast at least one fragment identifier of the first content itemto the second device 206 via the third communication link 207. In anaspect, the second device 206 (e.g., synchronization element 213) can beconfigured to process the received at least one fragment identifier, andidentify a location (e.g., point) in the second content item thatcorresponds to the at least one fragment identifier. As such, the secondcontent item can be provided and/or rendered at the second device 206 atthe identified location (e.g., point). The first content item providedand/or rendered at the first device 205 and the second content itemprovided and/or rendered at the second device 206 can be synchronized.

In another aspect, the second content item can be synchronized with thefirst content item at the second content provider 202. For example, thesecond device 206 can transmit a request for one of a plurality ofsecond content items to the second content provider 202. The secondcontent provider 202 can communicate with the first content provider 201to receive at least one fragment identifier associated with the firstcontent item being provided and/or rendered at the first device 205.Upon receiving the at least one fragment identifier, the second contentprovider 202 can select the requested second content item (e.g., audiocontent item), and identify a location (e.g., point) in the requestedsecond content item that corresponds to the received at least onefragment identifier. For example, the second content provider 202 canaccess metadata of the requested second content item for a time indexassociated with the received at least one fragment identifier.Accordingly, a location (e.g., a time offset, a time point) in therequested second content item can be identified. The second contentprovider 202 can provide the second content item at the identifiedlocation (e.g., point) to the second device 206.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 300. At step 302, afirst content item can be received. For example, the first content itemcan be received at a content provider 201. As an example, the firstcontent item can comprise video content, audio content, text, metadata,application, and/or the like. In an aspect, the first content item cancomprise a plurality of fragment identifiers. For example, the firstcontent item can be segmented into transport packets of a predeterminedsize, and each transport packet can be associated with a fragmentidentifier. A fragment identifier can comprise a code, a piece of text,a message, a label, an annotation, a pattern, a marker, an index, asignal, and/or the like. In an aspect, a fragment identifier canfunction as a time stamp, indicating a time point (e.g., starting point,ending point), and a time interval for a specific transport packet. Asan example, a fragment identifier can comprise a watermark that isimperceptible to human detection. A watermark can comprise a specificfrequency, or a combination of a plurality of specific frequencies in arange beyond human hearing (e.g., 20 kHz-22 kHz).

At step 304, a plurality of second content items can be generated basedon the first content item. In an aspect, a plurality of second contentitems can be ingested from the first content item. The plurality ofsecond content items can comprise a plurality of audio content itemsassociated with the first content item. Examples of second content itemscan comprise audio files generated for hearing aids (e.g., loudness),language training (e.g., English, French, Spanish), parental control(e.g., certain words removed), narration (e.g. for blind people),director's commentary, music only versions, parody dialogs, minors'versions (e.g., no music or effect), 3-D audio (e.g. object basedaudio), and content formats (e.g., MP3, AAC, MID, AIFF, WAV, MOV, M4A,MP4). The plurality of second content items can be stored at the secondcontent provider 202 and transmitted to the second device 206 via thesecond communication link 204.

At step 306, metadata associated with the plurality of second contentitems can be generated. In an aspect, metadata can comprise descriptionsof the respective second content items (e.g., audio files), such ashearing aids, language training, parental control, narration, music onlyversions, minor's versions, 3-D audio, content format, and/or the like.A menu can be created based on the descriptions of the respective audiofiles. Accordingly, a user of the second device 206 can select aparticular second content item from the created menu. In another aspect,the metadata can comprise a time index, and corresponding fragmentidentifiers associated with the first content item. As an example, thetime index can comprise a time offset with respect to the beginning of asecond content item. As another example, the time index can comprise atime point (starting point, end point), and a time interval associatedwith a specific segment of a second content item.

At step 308, the first content item can be transmitted to a first devicevia a first communication link. For example, first content provider 201can distribute (e.g., multicast, unicast) the first content item to thefirst device 205 via a first communication link 203. In an aspect, thefirst communication link 203 can be a quadrature amplitude modulation(QAM) channel, an internet protocol (IP) channel, or combinationthereof. The first communication link can comprise network adapters,switches, routers, modems, servers, bridge, repeaters, communicationgateways, a session border controllers, boundary devices, CPE, headends,CMTS, and the like, connected through wireless links and/or physicallinks. As an example, the first device 205 can comprise a set top box, atelevision, a network device, a computer, a tablet, a personal dataassistant, a smart phone, and the like.

At step 310, at least one of the plurality of second content items andthe metadata associated with the at least one of the plurality of secondcontent items can be transmitted to a second device via a secondcommunication link. For example, a user of the second device 206 canselect a particular second content item from a menu created according tothe metadata of the plurality of second content items. In an aspect, thesecond communication link can be an internet protocol (IP) channel. Forexample, the second communication link 204 can be an out of band (OOB)channel of the first communication link 203. The second communicationlink can comprise network adapters, switches, routers, modems, servers,bridge, repeaters, communication gateways, a session border controllers,boundary devices, CPE, headends, CMTS, and the like, connected throughwireless links and/or physical links. As an example, the second device206 can comprise a set top box, a television, a network device, acomputer, a tablet, a personal data assistant, a smart phone, and thelike.

At step 312, the first content item and the at least one of theplurality of second content items can be synchronized based on at leastone fragment identifier of the first content item, and the respectivemetadata associated with the one of the plurality of second contentitems. For example, the second content provider 202 can receive afragment identifier associated with the first content from the firstcontent provider 201. The second content provider 202 can access themetadata of the second content item to identify a corresponding location(e.g., point) in the second content item being provided and/or renderedat the second device 206. As an example, the metadata can comprise atime index and corresponding fragment identifiers associated with thefirst content item. For example, the location (e.g., point) can beidentified as a time offset (e.g., 15 minutes 9 seconds) with respect tothe beginning of the second content item. The second content item can beprovided and/or rendered at the second device 206 at the identifiedlocation (e.g., point, time offset). Thus, the second content item canbe synchronized with the first content item.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example method 400. At step402, at least one of the plurality of fragment identifiers can bereceived. In an aspect, the at least one of the plurality of fragmentidentifiers can be associated with a first content item. In an aspect,the first content item can be transmitted to the first device 205 via afirst communication link. As an example, the first content item cancomprise a video content, audio content, metadata, application, text,and the like. As another example, the first device 205 can comprise aset top box, a television, a network device, a computer, a tablet, apersonal data assistant, a smart phone, and the like. In an aspect, thefirst device 205 can broadcast at least one of the plurality of fragmentidentifiers to the second device 206 via the third communication link207. In another aspect, the second device 206 (e.g., the synchronizationelement 213) can access (e.g., detect, process, decode) at least one ofthe plurality of fragment identifiers (e.g., watermarks) of the firstcontent item. For example, the second device 206 can access at least oneof the plurality of fragment identifiers by reading the header of atleast one corresponding fragment. In a scenario that the first device205 and the second device 206 are a single device, at least one of theplurality of fragment identifiers can be received without using thethird communication link 207.

At step 404, a second content item can be received via a secondcommunication link. For example, the second content item can betransmitted from the second content provider 202 to the second device206 via the second communication link 204. The second content item canbe associated with a first content item. As an example, the seconddevice 206 can comprise a set top box, a television, a network device, acomputer, a tablet, a personal data assistant, a smart phone, and thelike. In an aspect, the first device 205 and the second device 206 canbe a single device. The second content item can be ingested from thefirst content item. The second content item can comprise audio content,text, metadata, application, and the like. In an aspect, the firstcontent item can be associated with a plurality of fragment identifiers.

In an aspect, the second content item can be associated with metadata.In an aspect, metadata can comprise descriptions of the respectivesecond content items (e.g., audio files) for diverse purposes, such ashearing aids, language training, parental control, narration, music-onlyversions, minor's versions, 3-D audio, content formats, and/or the like.A menu can be created based on the descriptions of the respective audiofiles. Accordingly, a user of the second device 206 can select aparticular second content item from the menu. In another aspect,metadata can comprise a time index and corresponding fragmentidentifiers associated with the first content item. As an example, thetime index can comprise a time offset with respect to the beginning of asecond content item. As another example, the time index can comprise atime point (e.g., starting point, end point), and a time intervalassociated with a specific segment of a second content item.

At step 406, a location in the second content item corresponding to thereceived at least one of the plurality of fragment identifiers can beidentified based on the metadata. For example, the second device 206(e.g., the synchronization element 213) can process the at least one ofthe plurality of fragment identifiers received from the first device205, and identify a corresponding location (e.g., point) in the secondcontent item. For example, upon receiving the at least one fragmentidentifier, the second device 206 (e.g., synchronization element 213)can access the metadata of the second content item to identify alocation (e.g., point) that corresponds to the received at least one ofthe plurality of fragment identifiers. For example, the metadata cancomprise a time index and corresponding fragment identifiers associatedwith the first content item. The location can be identified as a timeoffset (e.g., 15 minutes 9 seconds) with respect to the beginning of thesecond content item or a specific segment of audio content item.

At step 408, the second content item can be provided and/or rendered atthe identified location in the second content item. The second contentitem can be played on the second device 206 at the identified location(e.g., point) to synchronize the first content item being providedand/or rendered at the first device 205. In an aspect, a user can adjustthe second content item on the second device 206, for example, bypressing up and down buttons on the communication element 212 to achievethe fine tuning of the synchronization of the first content item and thesecond content item.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for providingcontent. At step 502, a request for an audio content item can bereceived. In an aspect, the second content provider 202 can receive arequest for an audio content item from the second device 206. The audiocontent item can be associated with a video content item transmitted toa first device 205. As an example, the first device 205 can comprise aset top box, a television, a network device, a computer, a tablet, apersonal data assistant, a smart phone, and the like. As an example, thesecond device 206 can comprise a set top box, a television, a networkdevice, a computer, a tablet, a personal data assistant, a smart phone,and the like. In an aspect, the first device 205 and the second device206 can be a single device.

In an aspect, a user of the second device 206 can request a specificaudio content item from a plurality of audio content items from a menu.An audio content item can be requested for diverse purposes, such ashearing aids (e.g., loudness), language training (e.g., English, French,Spanish), parental control (e.g., certain words removed), narration(e.g. for blind people), director's commentary, music-only versions,parody dialogs, minors' versions (e.g., no music or effect), 3-D audio(e.g. object based audio), audio content format (e.g., MP3, AAC, MID,AIFF, WAV, MOV, M4A, MP4) and/or the like.

At step 504, a fragment identifier associated with a video content itembeing transmitted can be determined. In an aspect, the second contentprovider 202 can communicate with the first content provider 201 toreceive a fragment identifier associated with the video content itembeing transmitted to the first device 205. For example, the firstcontent provider 201 can transmit the fragment identifier to the secondcontent provider 202 via wired and/or wireless communication protocols.As another example, the second content provider 202 can access (e.g.,detect, process, decode) the fragment identifier (e.g., watermark).

At step 506, a location in the audio content item corresponding to thefragment identifier of the video content item can be identified. Theaudio content item and a location (e.g., point) in the audio contentitem can be identified at the second content provider 202 based onmetadata associated with the requested audio content item. In an aspect,the metadata can comprise descriptions of the respective audio files. Inanother aspect, metadata can comprise a time index and correspondingfragment identifiers. As an example, the time index can indicate a timeoffset with respect to the beginning of the respective second contentitem. For example, a fifteen-minute offset can indicate fifteen minutesafter the beginning of a second content item, and the fifteen minuteoffset can be associated with a particular fragment identifier. When afragment identifier is received, a corresponding location (e.g., point)in the audio content item can thus be identified. For example, thelocation can be identified in terms of a time offset (e.g., 15 minutes 9seconds) with respect to the beginning of the audio content or aspecific segment of audio content item.

At step 508, the audio content item can be transmitted at the identifiedlocation (e.g., time point) in the audio content item. As such, theaudio content item being provided and/or rendered at the second device206 can be synchronized with the video content item being providedand/or rendered at the first device 205. In an aspect, a user of thesecond device 206 can adjust the second content item, for example, bypressing up and down buttons on the communication element 212 to achievethe fine tuning of the synchronization of the video content item and theaudio content item.

In an exemplary aspect, the methods and systems can be implemented on acomputer 601 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and described below. By way ofexample, server 110 of FIG. 1, the first content provider 201, thesecond content provider 202, the first device 205, and/or the seconddevice 206 of FIG. 2 can be a computer as illustrated in FIG. 6.Similarly, the methods and systems disclosed can utilize one or morecomputers to perform one or more functions in one or more locations.FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary operatingenvironment for performing the disclosed methods. This exemplaryoperating environment is only an example of an operating environment andis not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use orfunctionality of operating environment architecture. Neither should theoperating environment be interpreted as having any dependency orrequirement relating to any one or combination of components illustratedin the exemplary operating environment.

The present methods and systems can be operational with numerous othergeneral purpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that can be suitable for use with the systems andmethods comprise, but are not limited to, personal computers, servercomputers, laptop devices, and multiprocessor systems. Additionalexamples comprise set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that comprise any of the above systems or devices, and thelike.

The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be performed bysoftware components. The disclosed systems and methods can be describedin the general context of computer-executable instructions, such asprogram modules, being executed by one or more computers or otherdevices. Generally, program modules comprise computer code, routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Thedisclosed methods can also be practiced in grid-based and distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed computing environment, program modules can be located inboth local and remote computer storage media including memory storagedevices.

Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems andmethods disclosed herein can be implemented via a general-purposecomputing device in the form of a computer 601. The components of thecomputer 601 can comprise, but are not limited to, one or moreprocessors 603, a system memory 612, and a system bus 613 that couplesvarious system components including the processor 603 to the systemmemory 612. In the case of multiple processors 603, the system canutilize parallel computing.

The system bus 613 represents one or more of several possible types ofbus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or localbus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, sucharchitectures can comprise an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, aVideo Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, an AcceleratedGraphics Port (AGP) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI),a PCI-Express bus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association(PCMCIA), Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the like. The bus 613, and allbuses specified in this description can also be implemented over a wiredor wireless network connection and each of the subsystems, including theprocessor 603, a mass storage device 604, an operating system 605,content processing software 606, content data 607, a network adapter608, system memory 612, an Input/Output Interface 610, a display adapter609, a display device 611, and a human machine interface 602, can becontained within one or more remote computing devices 614 a,b,c atphysically separate locations, connected through buses of this form, ineffect implementing a fully distributed system.

The computer 601 typically comprises a variety of computer readablemedia. Exemplary readable media can be any available media that isaccessible by the computer 601 and comprises, for example and not meantto be limiting, both volatile and non-volatile media, removable andnon-removable media. The system memory 612 comprises computer readablemedia in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory(RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). Thesystem memory 612 typically contains data such as content data 607and/or program modules such as operating system 605 and contentprocessing software 606 that are immediately accessible to and/or arepresently operated on by the processor 603.

In another aspect, the computer 601 can also comprise otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media.By way of example, FIG. 6 illustrates a mass storage device 604 whichcan provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputer 601. For example and not meant to be limiting, a mass storagedevice 604 can be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removableoptical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices,flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and thelike.

Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on the massstorage device 604, including by way of example, an operating system 205and content processing software 606. Each of the operating system 605and content processing software 606 (or some combination thereof) cancomprise elements of the programming and the content processing software606. Content data 607 can also be stored on the mass storage device 604.Content data 607 can be stored in any of one or more databases known inthe art. Examples of such databases comprise, DB2®, Microsoft® Access,Microsoft® SQL Server, Oracle®, mySQL, PostgreSQL, HBase, Mongrel,Hadoop, and the like. The databases can be centralized or distributedacross multiple systems.

In another aspect, the user can enter commands and information into thecomputer 601 via an input device (not shown). Examples of such inputdevices comprise, but are not limited to, a keyboard, pointing device(e.g., a “mouse”), a microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactile inputdevices such as gloves, and other body coverings, and the like These andother input devices can be connected to the processor 603 via a humanmachine interface 602 that is coupled to the system bus 613, but can beconnected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallelport, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a Firewire port), aserial port, or a universal serial bus (USB).

In yet another aspect, a display device 611 can also be connected to thesystem bus 613 via an interface, such as a display adapter 609. It iscontemplated that the computer 601 can have more than one displayadapter 609 and the computer 601 can have more than one display device611. For example, a display device can be a monitor, an LCD (LiquidCrystal Display), or a projector. In addition to the display device 611,other output peripheral devices can comprise components such as speakers(not shown) and a printer (not shown) which can be connected to thecomputer 601 via Input/Output Interface 610. Any step and/or result ofthe methods can be output in any form to an output device. Such outputcan be any form of visual representation, including, but not limited to,textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like. The display611 and computer 601 can be part of one device, or separate devices.

The computer 601 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computing devices 614 a,b,c. By way ofexample, a remote computing device can be a personal computer, portablecomputer, smartphone, a server, a router, a network computer, a peerdevice or other common network node, and so on. Logical connectionsbetween the computer 601 and a remote computing device 614 a,b,c can bemade via a network 615, such as a local area network (LAN) and/or ageneral wide area network (WAN). Such network connections can be througha network adapter 608. A network adapter 608 can be implemented in bothwired and wireless environments. Such networking environments areconventional and commonplace in dwellings, offices, enterprise-widecomputer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

For purposes of illustration, application programs and other executableprogram components such as the operating system 605 are illustratedherein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized that such programsand components reside at various times in different storage componentsof the computing device 601, and are executed by the data processor(s)of the computer. An implementation of content processing software 606can be stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readablemedia. Any of the disclosed methods can be performed by computerreadable instructions embodied on computer readable media. Computerreadable media can be any available media that can be accessed by acomputer. By way of example and not meant to be limiting, computerreadable media can comprise “computer storage media” and “communicationsmedia.” “Computer storage media” comprise volatile and non-volatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any methods ortechnology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Exemplarycomputer storage media comprises, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM,EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by a computer.

The methods and systems can employ Artificial Intelligence (AI)techniques such as machine learning and iterative learning. Examples ofsuch techniques include, but are not limited to, expert systems, casebased reasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based AI, neural networks,fuzzy systems, evolutionary computation (e.g. genetic algorithms), swarmintelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and hybrid intelligent systems (e.g.Expert inference rules generated through a neural network or productionrules from statistical learning).

While the methods and systems have been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. A method comprising: sending, to a first device, afirst request for an audio content item, wherein the first requestcomprises a device identifier; and receiving, from the first device, afragment identifier associated with a video content item beingtransmitted to the first device via Quadrature Amplitude Modulation(QAM).